Crypto in Hawai‘i Is Still a “Lab” Experiment
Eleven companies participate in the Digital Currency Innovation Lab while the state explores regulations and advocates push for open markets.
Government
Government Internships Are Great for Learning Political and Life Skills
Rep. Lauren Matsumoto offers many hands-on opportunities, while UH Mānoa helps political science students land positions.
Politics Can Be Like “a Street Brawl Outside a Bar”
David Louie recalls his time as the state’s top lawyer (2011-14) in the memoir, “From the Desk of the Attorney General.” Here are behind-the-scenes excerpts.
Bypassing the Bitcoin Blockade
How one state worker helped open the door to Cryptocurrency in Hawai‘i
How Hawaiʻi's Light Pollution Affects Wildlife and Humans
Wedge-tailed shearwater fledging season runs from early November to late December. That’s when hundreds of grounded birds are found on roads and in people’s yards in Hawai‘i each year.
What's Ahead for Local Small Businesses
Hawai‘i’s two Congressmen and the state House Speaker describe what’s ahead for local small businesses.
Pandemic May Be Cloaking Sex Trafficking Cases in Hawaiʻi
A report called “Sex Trafficking in Hawai‘i” examines the scope and complexity of a problem for which data is hard to collect.
New State Laws Have Significant Effects on Employers
The rules have changed on nondisclosure agreements, criminal background checks and family leave, while financial penalties for violating some labor regulations have increased as much as 1,000%. By the time the veto deadline for Hawai‘i’s 2020 legislative session arrived on…
Harry Kim Talks About How Hawai‘i County is Supporting Local Businesses
Hawaii Business Magazine has asked each of the county mayors how their government is supporting local businesses and how businesses are supporting the county. Hawai‘i Island Mayor Harry Kim was the first to respond to our emailed questions. Here are…
Hundreds of Millions of Dollars at Stake
A full count in the 2020 census is key to Hawai‘i getting its rightful share of federal funding, and the state is working to make that happen. Here’s how you and your company can help. The U.S. Census is much…
Hawaiʻi’s Future Liabilities are Expected to Cost $88 Billion
$88 Billion is the estimated liabilities for state and local governments over the next 30 years on infrastructure, pensions and climate change. We explore three broad options to pay these liabilities: increase government revenues, reduce government spending and grow the…
An Ordinary Businessperson’s Guide to Influencing Lawmakers
Influencing Hawai‘i lawmakers requires business people to do their homework and be wiling to compromise, negotiate and be patient.
Some Ideas on How To Create More Homes For Local People
It’s long been common to hear stories of family and friends leaving the Islands for cities on the Mainland that have lower costs of living and more affordable housing. But in the past two years, so many people left the…
Finally Tackling a Crappy Situation
Hold your nose if you must but don’t look away if you love the ocean or swim in it. This story is about cesspools in Hawaiʻi, a problem that was kicked down the road for decades but one we are…
Fixing the Backlog of Native Hawaiians Waiting for Homesteads
28,000 Native Hawaiians are on the home lands waiting list. Getting more of them into homes or farms will take partnerships, collaborations and a willingness to try different things. Here are some ideas. bout 28,500 adults who are at least…
Hawaii Contractors Face New Costs and Restrictions on State and City Bid Protests
For the second time in less than a decade, new legislation is discouraging contractors from asking for hearings to decide government bid protests. In its 2019 regular session, the Legislature voted to require bid protesters to pay a fee of…
Government and Civic Engagement in Hawai‘i Need to Change
Change will happen when all citizens are involved, including leaders and employees from government, businesses and nonprofits This report is one of six reports on CHANGE because Hawai‘i must change its path. CHANGE stands for six interconnected major issues identified…
What's Next for OHA
The organization serves thousands of Native Hawaiians each year, but its scandals, infighting and negative image often overshadow its good work. Here’s a look inside OHA and how its problems are being addressed. For 16 years the staff of nonprofit…
Proposal Would Offer State Savings Plan for Hawaii Workers
Can a state-facilitated retirement savings plan address Hawaii’s retirement security crisis? Like many small-business owners, Larry Stenek, of Art Nelson Sailmaker in Honolulu, needs all hands on deck. “There are six of us here. … My wife is the office…
My Job: Building Resilience into a Whole County
Name: Joshua Stanbro Age: 47 Job: Chief Resilience Officer and Executive Director, Office of Climate Change, Sustainability and Resilience, City and County of Honolulu Start: The California native graduated from the Berkeley School of Law in 2001 but says he…
Minimum Wage Dilemma
In the restaurant sector, trying to balance the financial interests of employees, customers and owners is difficult. A higher minimum wage will drastically change that equation. A proposal to raise Hawaii’s minimum wage from $10.10 to $15 an hour has…
New State Law Imposes Fines for Fake Service Animals
America loves dogs more than ever. In 2019, with nearly 90 million of man’s best friends living in 55 percent of American households, the retail pet industry expects to fetch $86 billion in sales. Also on the upswing in recent…
How To Replicate Kahauiki Village
Dealing with homelessness is not just the responsibility of the government or nonprofits. As Kahauiki demonstrates, everyone has to pitch in. What was once a barren stretch of dirt, gravel and nondescript trees and shrubs is now a dynamic community…
Hawaii’s Tax Revenue vs. Its Expenses: A Closer Look [Sponsored]
Hawaii currently has a structural deficit of 3.1%, meaning tax revenues only cover 96.9% of the state’s expenses. It’s a gap that has persisted over time, according to research highlighted here. This issue will be addressed in the upcoming legislative session, as it has in the past:…